Parliamentary law making Flashcards
What are the 4 types of bills?
Public bill
Private members’ bill
Private bill
Hybrid bill
What is a bill?
A proposal for a new law, or a proposal to change an existing law.
What is a public bill?
A bill put forward by the government that will affect the whole country.
What is a private members’ bill?
A bill proposed by an individual MP that affects the entire country
Less likely to become law without government support.
What is a private bill?
A bill to change the law for specific individuals or organisations
Those directly affected can petition against it
What is a hybrid bill?
A mix of public and private bills.
It affects the general population but impacts specific groups or individuals.
What is the 1st step in the legislative process called?
The pre-legislative process.
What is the green paper?
A consultation document that outlines the proposal and allows those affected by it to share their views.
What is the white paper?
A firm proposal of law.
What is the draft bill?
When the bill is put into formal legal language by parliamentary draftsmen.
What is the first reading?
It is where the bill is formally introduced to parliament.
No debate or vote at this stage.
What is the second reading?
A bill is introduced by a government minister or MP, debated, and voted on to proceed to the next stage.
What is the committee stage?
When the bill is examined by a public bill committee and any changes or amendments can be discussed.
What is the report stage?
Where amendments are suggested and voted on.
What is the third reading?
Where the bill is debated and a vote decides if it can proceed.
No amendments are allowed at this time.
What is the ‘ping pong’ stage?
When the bill goes back and forth between the House of Lords and Commons as they try to reach an agreement on the bill.
What is the royal assent?
The monarchs agreement to make the bill into an Act.
What happens if the House of Lords and Commons cannot agree?
The Commons can use the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 to pass the bill without the consent of the Lords.
What are the steps in the legislative process in order?
Pre-legislative process
First reading
Second reading
Committee stage
Report stage
Third reading
‘Ping pong’ stage
Royal assent
What are advantages of parliamentary law making?
It is a democratic process
MPs can introduce legislation that is relevant to their constituents
The process is thorough so mistakes can be spotted
What are disadvantages of parliamentary law making?
Partly undemocratic as it includes the House of Lords who haven’t been elected
Process is very slow
Complex legal language is used which can be hard to understand
